Tickled Pink honors cancer survivors, patients

NOMINATE A WOMAN WITH CANCER

Nominations can be mailed to the North Branch of First Victoria Bank, 7001 N.E. Zac Lentz Parkway, or dropped off at any First Victoria Bank in Victoria, Edna and Port Lavaca.

For more information, contact Lisa Kristynik at 361-572-6101.

Ten Crossroads women are a 500-word essay away from enjoying a red-carpet experience of a lifetime.

For the second year, First Victoria National Bank and Elegant Touch of Class Limousines are teaming up to co-sponsor Tickled Pink, a fundraising event benefiting Guardians of the Ribbon, South Texas Chapter.

Guardians of the Ribbon and Tickled Pink support cancer patients and survivors.

Through Sept. 25, applications and essays are being accepted to nominate 10 women at least 18 years old who are being treated for cancer or are cancer free.

Each of the winners will receive hair/wig and makeup services at Hair Dimensions, an afternoon of pampering at Woodhouse Day Spa, dinner at Sky Restaurant and transportation provided by Elegant Touch of Class Limousines.

First Victoria Branch Manager Lisa Kristynik said she is assisting with the organization of the event and is a member of the committee who will be reviewing nomination essays.

"We read all of them, and they're all heart-wrenching. You wish you could honor all of the women," Kristynik said. "We're looking for essays about their struggles and how they've overcome. There's really no science to it; it's all about the emotional connection."

After a day of luxury treatment, the 10 women will attend the Tickled Pink fundraiser event Oct. 11 at Club Westerner in Victoria, where they will be honored with a special reception.

Kristynik said all proceeds from the fundraiser, which include a casino night, live and silent auction and live music, will be donated to Guardians of the Ribbon to assist other cancer sufferers in the Crossroads.

Tickets to the Tickled Pink fundraiser are available to the public for $15, and raffle tickets are $10.

Some of the items to be raffled include a 39-inch flat screen TV, a year's worth of Chick-fil-A, a queen-sized rustic bed, dinner for eight prepared in the home and an in-dash navigation system, among others. The event's goal is to exceed last year's fundraising of $13,000.

"This is really an opportunity for us to do something in a small way that supports the Guardians of the Ribbon. It's something we all hold near and dear to our hearts," she said. "Everyone knows someone who has experienced cancer, and it's important that we support each other."